Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome
Introduction
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that is increasingly recognized in most industrialized countries. It is known by many names, such Myalgic encephlomyelitis (M.E.), Chronic Epstein-Barr virus (CEBV), Chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS). In the United States it is mostly called chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or, sometimes "yuppie flu." It has been estimated that over 5 million Americans may be affected by this condition. This number is being revised upward almost yearly. Regardless of the name, this illness can be devastating and result in prolonged interruption of work, family life and other activities.
The Symptoms
There are many symptoms, but by far the most common and characteristic one is a prolonged fatigue. It is variable and may be moderate to severe. It is present in almost all cases.
Other symptoms include:
All of these symptoms are quite common, but a typical patient with CFS will have only some of them.
Causes of CFS
Researchers have been exploring the potential causes of CFS for some time now, but the exact cause of this illness is still not known. Some kind of a virus was, and still is, considered to be the major factor in the development of this condition. By far, the most frequently implicated one is the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Others, such as Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Human Herpes virus 6, and Human B lymphotrophic virus (HBLV) have also been associated with CFS.
Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite, can cause a condition clinically similar to CFS. Some researchers now believe that the presence of these microorganisms is not the cause, but the result or a complication of the disease.
Recently, a new association was identified. A virus known as HTLVII has been found in the blood of many patients with CFS. This virus is a relative of HTLVI (linked to leukemia) and HTLVIII or HIV (linked to AIDS). The significance of this discovery is not certain. Scientists are not sure whether they have found the cause of the problem or it is just another of many viruses already associated with CFS.
But regardless of what microorganism (if any) may bring this condition about, it is clear that there is a major disturbance in the immune system of the patients with CFS. There is a deficiency in both the number and the function of the so called "killer cells". These specialized white cells are responsible for destruction of the cells infected by viruses. They are of one the components of the immune system designed to protect us against viruses and cancer.
At the same time, there is an excessive production of antibodies against certain viruses, such as Epstein Barr virus, Cytomegalovirus and others that were already mentioned. That's why these viruses were thought to be the cause of this condition.
There is also an increased production of other chemicals, which regulate the function of the immune system. The entire immune system appears to be in "overdrive" and this may well be responsible for most of the symptoms of CFS.
What specific factor or factors initiate this profound dysfunction of the immune system still remains a mystery. However, there are a number of predisposing conditions.
The viral connection has already been discussed, so let's start with diet.
The Standard American Diet, appropriately called the SAD diet, does not provide high quality nutrients. It has too much fat, too much protein and too much refined carbohydrates, including sugar. On the other hand, it is low in complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Over 90 per cent of people in this country don't eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day. If you are eating this kind of diet, it predisposes you to the development of all kinds of diseases, including CFS.
Free radicals and their role in development of certain diseases have received a great deal of attention in medical literature in recent years. They have been implicated in a great number of pathological conditions, from arthritis to cancer.
Free radicals are well known enemies of the healthy immune system. Fortunately, the body has a complex defense system designed specifically for the purpose of fighting free radicals and oxidative damage. It is called antioxidant system. The components of the system are enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and some other nutrients. If you are low in some or all of these (and if you are eating the SAD diet, then you definitely are low) then you leave yourself open to the free radical damage.
Allergies to inhalants, foods, environmental chemicals and other substances also affect the function of the immune system. If you are allergic to a particular substance, your body responds inappropriately whenever you are exposed to it. Your immune system reacts to a harmless material, like pollen or grass, with overproduction of special antibodies. This process requires a lot of energy and effort and it consumes precious resources of which you have too little to begin with.
Another major reason for the dysfunction is the accumulation of toxins within the body. Some of them come from outside. Water, air and food contain various toxic materials. Some toxins are produces internally, as a result of our metabolic activity. Some are manufactured by the intestinal microorganisms.
Our detoxification system, which is comprised of liver, lymphatic system and kidneys, is supposed to get rid of all of these pollutants and keep us clean inside. But because of their number, some people are simply unable to cope. As a result, toxins accumulate in the body tissues and fluids, causing them to malfunction. Some researchers even speculate that CFS is a consequence of the massive internal pollution that so far affected only a small segment of the population, which is more sensitive to it than others.
Infections, such as Candida albicans, also lead to the deterioration of the immune system. In fact, most patients with CFS have a coexisting Candida infection.
Mercury, which comes from the dental amalgam fillings, is a poison to most tissues of the body, including white blood cells.
Hormonal imbalances, such as sluggish thyroid or weak adrenal glands, also weaken your immune system. These problems are very common, but they are difficult to diagnose and frequently go unnoticed by most doctors. Yet, both of these conditions can make you feel tired.
Low level of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) can also make you feel tired and weak. In addition, it can lead to premature aging and general deterioration of the whole body, including the immune system.
Undoubtedly, other factors will be identified with time. That's why further research is needed to uncover the mystery of CFS.
Treatment
If you have CFS, chances are you have already seen a doctor or two. And, most likely, they did not have a great deal to offer you.
Most orthodox doctors don't even think that CFS is a real disease, even though it was described years ago in prestigious medical journals. Why this skepticism? Well, let's look at it from the doctor's point of view.
A typical patient is a woman in her 30's who looks perfectly normal, has normal physical examination and normal blood tests. She also has signs of depression. So the doctor will just call the problem psychosomatic (the good old " it's all in your head" diagnosis) or dismiss it as a "yuppie flu."
Some doctors, who have heard of CFS, will check you for Epstein-Barr virus. But, if the level is high they have nothing to offer, except tranquilizers to make you feel less depressed.
Is it possible to achieve a real and significant improvement? Can you be rid of this debilitating condition? The answer is a definite YES! And to accomplish this, we have to not just try to treat the symptoms, but correct the underlying causes of the disease.
A successful plan of treatment will have to include a number of elements.
First, you must have a positive and hopeful attitude. Don't underestimate the healing power of the mind.
Adequate rest is important, as well as an exercise program tailored to your tolerance level.
Stress, both physical and emotional, should be minimized.
A good diet, supplying real nutrients. Diet low in sugar, fat and empty calories. In other words, the opposite of the SAD diet.
Allergies, both to foods and other substances, have to be identified and treated.
This is also true about coexisting conditions, such as Candida infection.
You have to go through the process of detoxification in order to get rid of the various toxins polluting your body.
If you have adrenal or thyroid imbalances, which are quite common, they will have to be corrected.
You will also need a number of nutritional supplements. They may include vitamins, minerals, herbs and homeopathic products. Since everybody is different, each patient receives a slightly different "formula."
And last, but not least, are the "drips." These are intravenous infusions and almost all the patients with CFS have to be treated with them. There are two kinds of infusions. One contains high doses of various vitamins and minerals, including C, B complex, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium and others. Again, the exact composition depends on your particular condition. This is essential for normalization of the immune function. Most people start feeling better after just a couple of these infusions.
Another drip that can be used is hydrogen peroxide. According to the Academy of Bio-Oxidative Medicine (IBOM), it destroys various microorganisms that may be present in the body. This includes viruses, bacteria, parasites and yeasts, like Candida.
If you follow this plan under a guidance of an experienced physician, the outcome can not be anything but success. Yes, you do have to work at it and it does take time, but the result is well worth it.